Our ability to persuade and motivate musicians is directly connected to the kinds of expectations we set. Don’t limit the ensemble by assuming they can’t achieve. Resist the temptation to categorize an ensemble if by doing so this means limiting them. “They’re only freshmen” (or only a church choir). “We only meet twice a week” (or for a 25-minute period). “They’re professionals (or college students); they want to do it their way.” These kinds of statements limit our musicians before we even begin. When we lead, it is our job to inspire the ensemble to reach not for perfection but for
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